Ixion deceived by Hera 1620 - 1624

Curator: So, we have Pieter Van Sompel’s engraving, “Ixion Deceived by Hera,” created sometime between 1620 and 1624. The composition feels crowded, but there's also something really dynamic about it. The nudes are rendered beautifully, almost sculpturesque in their detail, and I’m immediately drawn into the drama of the scene. How does it strike you? Editor: I’m intrigued, but also a little lost. There's so much happening. Who are all these figures, and what’s the story behind "Ixion Deceived by Hera"? Curator: Ah, a wonderful question! In Greek mythology, Ixion tried to seduce Hera, Zeus’s wife. Zeus, clever chap that he was, created a cloud in Hera’s image – Nephele – and Ixion, well, he fell for it. What follows, as depicted here, is not exactly marital bliss. I almost feel bad for him, or I would if he weren’t trying to…you know. But see how the figures are arranged? It's all about movement, that swirling Baroque energy that just throws you into the center of the narrative. You’ve got the gods, these voluptuous nudes seemingly in free fall and Ixion clearly experiencing the shock of his discovery. Editor: So it’s like a morality play, but told with a lot of swirling clouds and nudity. The symbolism… is it all just about lust and deception then? Curator: Well, partly. But I think it is more. There's also the hubris of Ixion – a mortal daring to pursue a goddess. Remember, these engravings were often made for educated audiences, people who’d recognize the story and understand the layers of meaning embedded in it. What details strike you most now that you understand it better? Editor: Knowing the story, I notice the little details, like the peacock feathers at the bottom, perhaps a reference to Hera herself. The figures’ poses… everything seems so theatrical. It is like everyone is a player in a big dramatic performance. Curator: Exactly! And it is the beauty of the baroque that pulls the audience into it. Each viewing invites contemplation. Now I have something new to think about with your insights, thank you!